Ctet History Questions with Detailed Solutions

Get Ctet History Questions to prepare for your upcoming exam. Solve the most expected questions and detailed solutions that can be asked in the exam.

Important Ctet History Questions

Q1.
Consider the following statements about the growth of Bengali language:
1. Early Sanskrit texts suggest that people of Bengal did not speak Sanskritic languages.
2. Xuan Zang observed that languages related to Sanskrit were in use all over Bengal in the 7th century.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • A.Only 1
  • B.Only 2
  • C.Both 1 and 2
    ✓ Correct
  • D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer & Solution

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 (Early Sanskrit texts suggest that people of Bengal did not speak Sanskritic languages.) – Correct:
→ Ancient Sanskrit texts indicated that the early inhabitants of Bengal spoke non-Sanskrit regional dialects.
→ Commercial and cultural interactions between Bengal and Magadha gradually facilitated the spread of Sanskrit influence.
Statement 2 (Xuan Zang observed that languages related to Sanskrit were in use all over Bengal in the 7th century.) – Correct:
→ Chinese traveler Xuan Zang (Hiuen Tsang) visited India during the 7th century AD.
→ He documented that dialects closely derived from or related to Sanskrit were spoken across all parts of Bengal.
Information Booster:
→ Modern Bengali belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family and evolved through Magadhi Prakrit.
→ Bengali literature is divided into two broad categories: Sanskrit-dependent and independent folk traditions.
→ The Mangalakavyas are auspicious narrative poems written in Bengal between the 15th and 18th centuries.
→ The Nath literature includes songs of Mayanamati and Gopichandra, representing independent popular traditions.
→ Under the patronage of the Pala and Sena dynasties, Sanskrit culture deeply influenced the Bengali region.
Q2.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Nayanars and Alvars came from all castes including those considered “untouchable”.
2. They were sharply critical of the Buddhists and Jainas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • A.Only 1
  • B.Only 2
  • C.Both 1 and 2
    ✓ Correct
  • D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer & Solution

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 (The Nayanars and Alvars came from all castes including those considered “untouchable”.) – Correct:
→ The Bhakti movement led by Nayanars and Alvars in South India was inclusive of all castes.
→ Saints came from diverse backgrounds, including communities considered untouchable, such as the Pulaiyar and the Panars.
Statement 2 (They were sharply critical of the Buddhists and Jainas.) – Correct:
→ The Nayanars and Alvars openly criticized Buddhism and Jainism.
→ They preached ardent love for Shiva or Vishnu as the sole path to spiritual salvation.
Information Booster:
→ The Nayanars were devotees devoted to Lord Shiva, totaling 63 famous saints.
→ The Alvars were devotees devoted to Lord Vishnu, totaling 12 prominent saints.
→ Compilations of Nayanar devotional hymns are preserved in the Tevaram and Tiruvacakam.
→ The main collection of Alvar hymns is compiled in the Divya Prabandham.
→ Powerful dynasties like the Cholas and Pandyas constructed elaborate temples around these Bhakti shrines.
Q3.
Soft colours including cool blues and greens, and a lyrical treatment of themes distinguished which school of painting?
  • A.Basohli
  • B.Kangra
    ✓ Correct
  • C.Mughal
  • D.Deccan

Answer & Solution

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (B) Kangra
Explanation:
→ The Kangra school of painting developed in the late 18th century in the Pahari region.
→ It is renowned for its lyrical treatment of themes, delicate lines, and naturalistic details.
→ A key distinguishing feature is the use of soft colours including cool blues and greens.
→ Themes were heavily inspired by Vaishnavite traditions, particularly stories of Radha and Krishna.
Information Booster:
→ Developed under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra.
→ Evolved after artists migrated from the Mughal court to the Himalayan foothills.
→ Key centers of Pahari painting included Guler, Kangra, and Mandi.
→ Pigments were derived from natural minerals and plants to retain soft hues.
→ Gita Govinda and Bhagavata Purana were popular literary subjects portrayed.

Q4.
The Buddha described constant craving as
  • A.Karma
  • B.Tanha
    ✓ Correct
  • C.Ahimsa
  • D.Atman

Answer & Solution

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (B) Tanha
Explanation:
→ Lord Buddha identified insatiable desire, attachment, and constant craving as tanha (or thirshna).
→ He taught that human suffering (dukkha) stems directly from this unquenchable thirst for worldly pleasures and material possessions.
→ Overcoming tanha through moderation and following the Eightfold Path leads to liberation/Nirvana.
→ It forms the second of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhist philosophy.
Information Booster:
→ Described in Pali texts as tanha (desire/thirst).
→ Identified as the primary root cause of human suffering (dukkha).
→ Central element of the Four Noble Truths.
→ Can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path (Astangika Marga).

Q5.
Kathak developed in two traditions or gharanas. These were
  • A.Jaipur and Lucknow
    ✓ Correct
  • B.Delhi and Agra
  • C.Banaras and Lucknow
  • D.Jaipur and Banaras

Answer & Solution

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: (A) Jaipur and Lucknow
Explanation:
→ Kathak evolved into two major distinct traditions or gharanas: the courts of Rajasthan (Jaipur) and Lucknow.
→ Under the patronage of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah in Lucknow, it grew into a major classical art form focused on expressive abhinaya.
→ The Jaipur gharana focused heavily on intricate footwork (tatkar) and rapid spins (chakkars).
→ Later, a third major gharana also developed in Banaras, but Jaipur and Lucknow remain its primary classic regional centers.
Information Booster:
→ Originates from katha, meaning storytellers in North Indian temples.
→ Patronized extensively by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh.
→ Characterized by tatkar (footwork) and chakkars (pirouettes).
→ Jaipur gharana emphasizes nritta (pure technical dance), while Lucknow emphasizes bhava (expression).

Q6.
Lilatilakam, a fourteenth-century text dealing with grammar and poetics, was composed in
  • A.Sanskrit
  • B.Malayalam
  • C.Manipravalam
    ✓ Correct
  • D.Tamil

Answer & Solution

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (C) Manipravalam
Explanation:
→ Lilatilakam is a 14th-century textual treatise on grammar and poetics composed in Manipravalam.
→ Manipravalam literally translates to 'diamonds and corals', referring to the blend of two languages: Sanskrit and regional Malayalam.
→ The text offers literary rules for combining regional literary tradition with classical Sanskrit grammar.
→ It is a key historical document demonstrating the growth of early Malayalam literature under the Chera kingdom.
Information Booster:
→ Composed during the fourteenth century.
→ Written in the literary style named Manipravalam.
→ Combines Sanskrit and regional Malayalam.
→ Literally means 'diamonds and corals'.

Q7.
Consider the following statements and choose the correct one:
Assertion (A): By the close of the seventeenth century, Surat gradually lost its position as India's leading port city.
Reason (R): The weakening of Mughal political authority, disruption of long-distance trade, and the growing importance of Bombay adversely affected Surat's commercial prosperity.
  • A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
    ✓ Correct
  • B.Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  • C.A is true, but R is false.
  • D.A is false, but R is true.

Answer & Solution

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
Assertion is Correct
→ Towards the late seventeenth century, Surat experienced a steady decline in its commercial dominance as an international port city.
→ Its role as the premier emporium of Western trade rapidly diminished during this transitional era.
Reason is Correct
→ The decline was caused by loss of markets due to the decline of the Mughal Empire, control of sea routes by the Portuguese, and shift of East India Company headquarters to Bombay in 1668.
→ These political and maritime economic factors directly explain why Surat lost its prime status to new colonial port centers.
Information Booster:
→ Surat was known as the Gateway to Mecca for pilgrims.
→ Famous for its cotton textiles featuring gold lace borders (zari).
→ English East India Company shifted its Western base to Bombay in 1668.
→ The financial network of Surat was famous for issuing hundis accepted worldwide.
Q8.
Consider the following statements:
1. Limestone cement was increasingly used in construction from the twelfth century.
2. When mixed with stone chips it hardened into concrete making construction of large structures easier.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • A.Only 1
  • B.Only 2
  • C.Both 1 and 2
    ✓ Correct
  • D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer & Solution

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 Limestone cement was increasingly used in construction from the twelfth century. – Correct:
→ High-quality limestone cement usage increased significantly in architectural construction from the twelfth century onwards.
→ It replaced traditional mud mortar, allowing builders to create more durable and grand monumental structures.
Statement 2 When mixed with stone chips it hardened into concrete making construction of large structures easier. – Correct:
→ Mixing limestone cement with stone chips created high-quality concrete.
→ This structural advancement made the construction of large roofs, arches, and heavy monuments faster and easier.
Information Booster:
→ Limestone cement revolutionized medieval Indian architectural techniques.
→ The technique enabled the construction of massive superstructure elements like shikharas and domes.
→ It provided superior structural stability compared to earlier dry-stone masonry.
→ Combining cement with stone chips created an early form of durable concrete.
Q9.
Consider the following statements and choose the correct one:
Assertion (A): Hampi fell into ruin following the defeat of Vijayanagara in 1565.
Reason (R): The defeat was inflicted by the Deccani Sultans – the rulers of Golconda, Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Berar and Bidar.
  • A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
    ✓ Correct
  • B.Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  • C.A is true, but R is false.
  • D.A is false, but R is true.

Answer & Solution

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
Assertion is Correct
→ The magnificent city of Hampi, capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, was sacked, looted, and fell into ruin after 1565.
→ The devastating loss destroyed its urban infrastructure and ended its status as a prosperous commercial capital.
Reason is Correct
→ The combined alliance of the Deccani Sultans defeated Rama Raya at the decisive Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi (Talikota).
→ The victory of these confederate Sultanates directly led to the systematic destruction and abandonment of Hampi.
Information Booster:
→ Battle of Talikota took place in 1565.
→ Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in modern Karnataka.
→ Founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka I.
→ Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q10.
Match List I with List II.
List I
List II
A. Pietra dura
1. Coloured hard stones in marble
B. Pishtaq
2. Tall gateway
C. Diwan-i-Am
3. Hall of public audience
D. Shikhara
4. Tower of a temple
  • A.A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
    ✓ Correct
  • B.A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
  • C.A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
  • D.A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

Answer & Solution

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: (Option: A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4)
Explanation:
A. Pietra dura → 1. Coloured hard stones in marble
→ Pietra dura refers to decorative inlays where colored, hard stones were placed into matching cutouts carved into marble or sandstone.
→ Beautiful examples of this technique are found behind Emperor Shah Jahan's throne in the Red Fort at Delhi.
→ It created intricate floral designs and images like the legendary musician Orpheus playing the lute.
B. Pishtaq → 2. Tall gateway
→ Pishtaq is a prominent central tall archway feature in Indo-Islamic and Mughal architectural design.
→ It served as an important entrance portal for monumental structures like mosques, mausoleums, and palaces.
→ Shah Jahan used it effectively to emphasize symmetry and central focal points in structures such as the Taj Mahal.
C. Diwan-i-Am → 3. Hall of public audience
→ Diwan-i-Am was the grand ceremonial hall created in Mughal palaces for holding public audiences.
→ The emperor sat in a raised throne balcony (jharokha) to hear complaints and address common subjects.
→ It was designed deliberately to communicate that imperial justice treated the rich and poor equally.
D. Shikhara → 4. Tower of a temple
→ Shikhara is the towering spire or superstructure standing directly above the main sanctum (garbhagriha) of a Hindu temple.
→ Constructing a tall shikhara required immense technical engineering and elaborate stone masonry.
→ Notable examples include the Rajarajeshvara temple at Thanjavur and the Kandariya Mahadeva temple at Khajuraho.
Information Booster:
→ Mughal architectural advancements reached their artistic pinnacle during the reign of Shah Jahan.
→ The Rajarajeshvara temple possessed the tallest shikhara among contemporary temples in its time.
→ The architectural layout of the Diwan-i-Am closely resembled the physical arrangement of a mosque.
→ Imperial Mughal architecture blended Persian, Central Asian, and indigenous Indian structural styles.
Q11.
Raniji ki baori (the Queen’s Stepwell), celebrated for its architectural beauty, is located in which town of Rajasthan?
  • A.Jaipur
  • B.Udaipur
  • C.Bundi
    ✓ Correct
  • D.Jodhpur

Answer & Solution

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (C) Bundi
Explanation:
→ Raniji ki baori is a prominent, historically significant stepwell built as a public water utility resource.
→ It is located in the town of Bundi, Rajasthan, often known as the 'City of Stepwells' due to its numerous baoris.
→ It was constructed to fulfill water needs and display magnificent architectural craftsmanship during the Rajput era.
→ The structure is famous for its intricate carvings, grand multi-story layout, and high aesthetic significance in medieval Indian history.
Information Booster:
→ The stepwell was built in the year 1699 AD to provide continuous water supply.
→ It was commissioned by Rani Nathavati, the queen of the ruling monarch Rao Raja Anirudh Singh of Bundi.
→ It features highly refined pillars and an arched gateway showing exquisite Rajput style architecture.
→ Bundi boasts nearly 50 stepwells, with Raniji ki baori being the largest and most ornate among them.
→ Stepwells served as crucial rainwater harvesting systems in the arid regions of western India.

Q12.
In which historic battle did Babur defeat Rana Sanga and his Rajput allies in the year 1527?
  • A.Battle of Panipat
  • B.Battle of Chanderi
  • C.Battle of Khanua
    ✓ Correct
  • D.Battle of Chausa

Answer & Solution

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (C) Battle of Khanua
Explanation:
→ The Battle of Khanua was a critical conflict that helped solidify early Mughal rule in northern India.
→ In the 1527 calendar year, Babur defeated the powerful Mewar ruler Rana Sanga and his allied Rajput forces.
→ Babur used advanced military tactics and artillery units to overcome his opponents' numerical advantage.
→ This decisive victory removed a major threat to Babur's authority, securing his control over the Agra-Delhi region.
Information Booster:
→ The historic battlefield of Khanua is situated near Fatehpur Sikri in modern Uttar Pradesh.
→ Before the clash, Babur rallied his troops by declaring the campaign a holy war (Jihad).
→ He also gave up drinking wine publicly to inspire religious commitment among his soldiers.
→ Following his victory, Babur assumed the prestigious title of Ghazi (holy warrior).
→ The battle demonstrated that traditional cavalry charges were vulnerable to disciplined gunpowder warfare.

Q13.
In the context of Islamic traditions during this period, the Shia Muslims firmly believed that:
  • A.The authority of the early leaders (Khalifas) of the community was absolute.
  • B.Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali, was the legitimate leader of the Muslim community.
    ✓ Correct
  • C.All official records had to be written exclusively in Sanskrit.
  • D.Religious beliefs should have no connection to local social organizations.

Answer & Solution

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (B) Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali, was the legitimate leader of the Muslim community.
Explanation:
→ The division within Islamic tradition centered on questions of political and spiritual legitimate leadership after the Prophet.
→ Shia Muslims maintained that authority should stay within the Prophet's immediate family.
→ They recognized Ali, the Prophet’s son-in-law, as his rightful and divinely inspired successor.
→ This theological stance created a distinct institutional path, separating them from the Sunni majority.
Information Booster:
→ In contrast to the Shia position, Sunni Muslims accepted the authority of the early consensus leaders, the Khalifas.
→ Ali was the fourth of the Rightly Guided Caliphs before the community split widened.
→ Over time, both branches developed their own distinct systems of religious law (Sharia) and theology.
→ In historical India, various ruling dynasties and regional sultanates followed either Sunni or Shia traditions.
→ Medieval Islamic mysticism also saw the rise of the Sufi movement, which emphasized personal devotion over legalism.

Q14.

The Arabic term masjid literally means a place where:

  • A.

    A sermon (khutba) is delivered on Friday

  • B.

    The administration language is taught

  • C.

    A Muslim prostrates in reverence to Allah

    ✓ Correct
  • D.

    Learned men advise the rulers

Answer & Solution

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (c) A Muslim prostrates in reverence to Allah.
Explanation:
→ The word Masjid is derived from the Arabic root "sajada", which means "to prostrate" or "to bow down in submission."

→ Therefore, the literal meaning of Masjid is "a place of prostration", where Muslims perform sajdah (prostration) while offering prayers to Allah.
→ Although Friday sermons (Khutba) are delivered in many mosques, this is not the literal meaning of the word Masjid.
→ Thus, Option (c) correctly explains the literal meaning of the Arabic term Masjid.
Information Booster:
→ The Arabic root "S-J-D (س-ج-د)" means "to prostrate" or "to bow in worship."

→ A Masjid serves as a place for daily prayers, Friday congregational prayers (Jumu'ah), religious learning, and community gatherings.
→ During the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods, mosques functioned not only as places of worship but also as centres of education, charity, and social interaction.
→ The Friday congregational mosque, known as the Jama Masjid, was the principal mosque of a city where the Khutba (Friday sermon) was delivered.
→ According to medieval inscriptions, rulers often constructed mosques to commemorate victories, establish authority, and promote Islamic religious life.

Q15.
Consider the following statements regarding the Zabt revenue system:

1. Tax was strictly fixed on each crop in cash based on a 10-year survey of yields and prices.
2. The Zabt system was universally and highly successful in distant provinces such as Gujarat and Bengal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • A.1 only
    ✓ Correct
  • B.2 only
  • C.Both 1 and 2
  • D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer & Solution

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 (Tax was strictly fixed on each crop in cash based on a 10-year survey of yields and prices.) – Correct:
→ The Zabt system relied on careful empirical assessment under the Mughal revenue administration.
→ Revenue officials conducted a detailed 10-year survey of crop yields and market prices to calculate average values.
→ Based on this historical data, a fixed tax rate was established for each crop and collected strictly in cash.
Statement 2 (The Zabt system was universally and highly successful in distant provinces such as Gujarat and Bengal.) – Incorrect:
→ The statement is incorrect because implementing the Zabt system required meticulous land measurement and continuous imperial record keeping.
→ Consequently, this rigorous system could not be effectively deployed in far-off frontier provinces like Bengal and Gujarat.
Information Booster:
→ Akbar's brilliant finance minister, Raja Todar Mal, designed and carried out these landmark revenue reforms.
→ The 10-year measurement and price assessment period spanned from the 1570 to 1580 calendar years.
→ Under this system, each imperial revenue circle had its own individual schedule of crop tax rates called a Rai.
→ The system brought predictability to imperial finances and protected farmers from sudden arbitrary changes in tax demands.
→ Mughal revenue administrators who managed land records and tax collections at the local level were known as Amil.